Your Turn

YOUR TURN!

NINE STEPS TO FEND FOR YOURSELF

OFFICE OF RETENTION AND STUDENT SUCCESS

TRANSITION SEASON

A transition is about to occur (or continue) in your household

You are taking another step towards your independence

Your parents will begin to loosen their grip with a sense of uncertainty

SIUE is here to help with that transition

And because you're paying for this support anyway, you might as well use it

SIUE's collective goal is to help you become an independent and selfsufficient adult over the next four years

Are you ready?

WHAT IS “FENDING”

To look after and provide for oneself, without any help from others

To be responsible and accountable for your actions

You may hear people say, “You're old enough to fend for yourself"

NINE STEPS OF FENDING

Attend to the care and maintenance of your body

Find work that pays your bills

Try hard

Make your own decisions

Get along with others Keep track of your stuff

Reply and show up

Find your people and care for them

Plan your future

ATTEND TO THE CARE AND MAINTENANCE OF YOUR BODY

As you transition into adulthood there are basic things you want to start doing for yourself. Such as, cooking, making doctor's appointments, managing your time, and balancing academics and social activities.

In addition, personal hygiene, sleep hygiene, mental health, and managing stress are all important for your success in school.

FIND WORK THAT PAYS YOUR BILLS

Most of you are here to advance your education in the hopes that your degree will secure a career and lifestyle you want to live.

While that may be a long-term goal, it is equally important to pay the bills you have now.

How will you do this?

Some options to explore are...

 Student employment

 Paid internships

 Scholarships

 The real world requires hard work, and your effort is the critical variable.

TRY HARD

 You may stumble and fail but the important thing is to get back up and try again. That is how you learn and grow and it is also how you learn to be stronger in the face of the inevitable next setback.

MAKE YOUR OWN DECISIONS

These everyday questions are now on you to figure out and are not for your parent/guardian who may have been there to tell you what to do and how to do it:

How to dress for the weather.

Should I take a bus or get a Lyft?

Should I complete this task today or tomorrow?

Know the difference between life-changing and everyday questions.

How much should I spend on the products I like to buy?

Seek advice and guidance when you're mulling over bigger stuff.

GET ALONG WITH OTHERS

 Being able to interact with humans in a manner that is courteous and respectful while advocating for what you need is the key to your survival.

 At SIUE, one of our core values is Inclusion. This value illustrates the need for everyone to feel included and accepted on this campus. This is your new home, and we want you to be comfortable here.

KEEP TRACK OF YOUR STUFF

 Coats, bags, phones, deadlines, obligations, and doctor's appointments: It's on you to keep track of it all.

 If you were rescued a lot in childhood - if someone brought your schoolwork, instrument, or sporting equipment when you forgot it, or if someone made all your appointments and filled out all your forms and applications – handling ordinary life obligations may be more challenging for you; but taking care of this stuff is a huge part of fending for yourself. It's key to adulting.

REPLY AND SHOW UP

When you've made a commitment and said yes, put it in your calendar and SHOW UP.

If you can't show up for some reason, text/email an apology in advance, if possible, or as soon as you are able to.

Formal or informal, whether in the context of work, school, or your personal life, requests for your time deserve a response.

FIND YOUR PEOPLE AND CARE FOR THEM

At some point, you will likely form a group, a squad, a family, a small collection of people who matter to you. Remember to be kind, courteous and treat them with care. You are building lifelong friendships!

Your "vibe" will attract your "tribe."